What is child emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse means doing or saying things to hurt a child emotionally. For example, the adult may say things to make the child feel unwanted or worthless. Emotional abuse may cause changes in a child's behavior. A child who is emotionally abused may:

• Not care much about what is going on around them.
• Not react normally to pain, other people, or changes in their life.
• Avoid a particular parent or caregiver.
• Act more fearful, angry, or sad than would seem normal.
• Not do well in school.
• Hurt themself on purpose.

The behavior of an emotionally abusive parent or caregiver does not support a child's healthy development and well-being. Instead, it creates an environment of fear, hostility, or anxiety. A child is sensitive to the feeling, opinions, and actions of their parents. Emotionally harmful attitudes may include the following.

Showing a lack of regard for the child

This behavior often includes rejecting the child by:

• Not showing affection.
• Ignoring the child's presence and obvious needs.
• Ignoring the child when they are in need of comfort.
• Not calling the child by name.

Saying unkind things to the child

Emotionally abusive parents say things or convey feelings that can hurt a child deeply. Common examples include:

• Making the child feel unwanted, perhaps by stating or implying that life would be easier without the child. For example, a parent may tell a child, "I wish you were never born."
• Ridiculing or belittling the child, such as saying, "You are stupid."
• Threatening the child with harsh punishment or even death.
• Continuous verbal abuse.
• Comparing the child to siblings or peers.
• Blaming the child for family problems.

Creating an emotionally unhealthy environment

Some emotionally abusive parents place ill-advised or impossibly difficult expectations on their children, such as:

• Encouraging the child to commit immoral or illegal acts.
• Pressuring the child to grow up too fast.
• Expecting the child to perform beyond their capability or maturity.
• Isolating the child from family and friends.